Read with interest the Holmes/Vines commentary on the Judaizing of Christianity.
 
I had two cents of my own to throw into the conversation.
 
1) I believe God clearly predicted a time when the historic split between Judaism and Christianity would be overcome.  In Malachi Chapter 4 Verse 6, we read, "And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse."  It is my firm belief that the "fathers" referred to are symbolized by the patriarchs of the Jewish faith and the children in question are the "children of the living God" through faith in Yeshua Ha Maschiach.  In these last days, I believe it will be the role of the church to reach out with love to embrace our heritage and the ones who bear its mantle.
 
While I do not believe it is productive or necessary for any Christian to turn from the simple truth of the gospel to find salvation or have a real relationship with Adonai, I do believe our experience of Him can be that much richer through the discovery of our roots and by regular, open fellowship with those who remain "the apple of His eye."
 
2) I am encouraged by the zeal of a young breed of new Orthodox Jewish men who are conducting speaking engagements in churches and synagogues across North America.  They quite clearly have experienced the baptism of John.  I have heard them speak on Internet radio from Israel of the mercy and grace of G-d the Father and of their very real hope in the coming of their Messiah.  It is my belief that Ruach Ha Kodesh (the Holy Spirit) is at work in their hearts and lives and in those of many of their brethren in preparation for the coming culmination of history.
 
I am convinced that it is this ministry of reconciliation that God has called me to.  If you read through the prophecy of the valley of dry bones in the book of Ezekiel, you'll discover that the nation of Israel is restored in the flesh before the spirit enters.  If you read through the book of Zechariah, you read that the fountain of cleansing is opened to Israel for national repentance only after the people have reassembled in their land...the promised land, Eretz Y'Israel.
 
Given the intense nature of the common threats faced by Christian and Jew alike and the very real possibility that those dangers may only increase in North America in coming days, I believe it is imperative that we recognize what unites and not divides us and that we submit in a spirit of love to the defense of our common interests and welfare.  We ARE our brother's keepers.  And as we bless the seed of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, we will receive God's blessing.
 
I, for one, hope that Christianity might one day be restored to its original and rightful position as a sect of Judaism.  That is our history.  I believe that is also our destiny...knowing that one day wild and natural branches will both be grafted into the olive tree and that a family reunion through faith in a common Messiah will occur.
 
Here is one Christian who is not ashamed to say he loves Israel and the Jewish people and will stand up for their right to not only exist but to flourish in their homeland and under the protective care of the One Who freely offers salvation "to the Jew first" and also to the Gentile.
 
Blessings,

Todd Beezley